An NPC with ride skill mounted on light horse is staggered by reduction to zero hitpoints. Now what?

[Mr. Grogg]

In an attempt to flee a battle an NPC mounts a light horse. He has the ride skill. Before he gets the horse moving he is reduced to zero hitpoints. Thus, he is staggered. Can he stay in the saddle and have the horse gallop away? Does the jostling reduce him to -1? Does he fall? What happens?

And, does the ride skill even enter into it? Would a non-skilled rider be treated the same way?

Thanks,
m

[TheNine]

At best you could rule he is using his standard action to take another move action so it sounds like he is fine to me. He is staggered not unconcious. The act of holding on to reins is not attempting any high exertion on his part really, he could be using his knees to guide the mount which is what like a DC5 ride check?

If you are the GM i would say go with what thematically sounds the coolest however. If he is a future antaganistic sort let him get away. If he is a mook whom might have information for the party, let him fall off the horse unconcious.

If your the player... whip out your bow and lead him before you shoot.

[Drake Brimstone]

It is actually a non-action to control a combat trained horse in combat, if it is not combat trained then it is a move action, either way, it is not a standard action so he does not fall unconscious. Additionally, even falling unconscious he could still stay in the saddle, 50% chance if it is a Riding saddle, 75% if it is a Military saddle.

[SlimGauge]

If he's on the horse when he's hit (damaged to reduce him to 0) he has to make a DC5 "Stay in Saddle" check. This usage is not an action.